tube amp ?

[aequitas]

I know most of the talk has been tube pre's, but i guess im looking for either a tube amp or integrated. I've never dabbled in tubes, but was looking at the jolida 302b or 502b. the difference, from what i can tell, is 50watts vs 60watts @ 8 ohms and a few hundred bucks. i'm guessing that tube watts pack more of a punch than ss watts, but is 50 enought to power a pair of lsi9s?

another question, is there another tube amp/integrated that would be comparable in price and performance for the 9s? thanks

[ND13]

I would think that the 302 would be sufficient enough, but of course the extra 10 from the 502 wouldn't hurt.

[organ]

They will sound quite different from eachother. The 502 uses 6550/KT88 tubes while the 302 uses EL34. EL34 are suppose to sound "sweeter" than KT88's but it would really depend on the application.

I have a pair of LSi9. My amp is using EL34. IMO, it just didn't cut it for the 9's, that's why I went with more efficient speakers. You're better off getting a tubed pre and use a SS amp if you plan to keep the 9's. My 9's sound amazing with that kind of set up.

Maurice

[cmy330go]

Last week I purchased a Sound Quest SQ-88 (http://www.goodsound.com/equipment/sound_quest_sq88.htm) from Quest for Sound in Bansalem, PA. This unit is rated at 55wpc and I too am running LSi9's. I only have about 20 hours on it so far.....but I am LOVIN' IT!!!!! I am very pleased with the sound and build quality. I have no reservations about recommending this unit.

I plan on posting a more detailed review after about 100 hours of use.

BTW I know you have heard it a million times.....but you will love tubes! :D

[aequitas]

Thanks for the replys so far, that quest for sound looks nice and pretty comparable to the 502. another ignorant question, if it is an integrated tube amp, does that mean that it will act like a tube receiver, in other words does it have inputs so it can be a tube pre and a tube amp?

[ND13]

if it is an integrated tube amp, does that mean that it will act like a tube receiver, in other words does it have inputs so it can be a tube pre and a tube amp?

Yes, but no tuner or video switching and all that jazz.


It's an amp and pre all in one. :)

[cmy330go]

Thanks for the replys so far, that quest for sound looks nice and pretty comparable to the 502. another ignorant question, if it is an integrated tube amp, does that mean that it will act like a tube receiver, in other words does it have inputs so it can be a tube pre and a tube amp?

ND13 is right.

However it can not be just a preamp. It does not have the outputs for that. It could be used as just an amp in conjunction with another preamp, by using one of the inputs and just turning the volume up all the way, but that probably would not be too practical.

Not sure if that is what you meant by your question, but thought it was a possibility.

Happy hunting! :)